PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2023

The Veteran's PTSD and MDD are currently rated at 50 percent, but the Board found that they do not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating.,The Veteran's hypothyroidism is currently rated as noncompensable. The Board noted that without myxedema, a compensable rating requires six months of residual effects after initial diagnosis.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date of January 17, 2020 for a 100 percent disability rating for PTSD with insomnia disorder, major depressive disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder is granted. The increase in the Veteran's disability occurred within one year prior to his April 21, 2020 claim, making January 17, 2020 the earliest possible effective date.

The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate VA examination, and the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD, anxiety, and major depression is now pending.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is granted as he has a current diagnosis of PTSD that is etiologically related to in-service trauma.

The Veteran's PTSD and tobacco use disorder are currently rated at 70 percent, but the Board denied an increased rating as his symptoms do not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has reinstated the Veteran's PTSD rating from 10% to 70%, finding that the reduction was improper due to a lack of evidence showing actual improvement in the Veteran's ability to function under ordinary conditions.

The Veteran's TDIU was granted effective November 17, 2017, the date of his increased PTSD rating. The Board found that this aligns with the effective date for the underlying disability.

The Board has decided that there are other acquired psychiatric disorders besides PTSD, and a new examination is needed to determine the etiology of these conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, finding that the Veteran's reported stressor (learning of his brother's injury while in Vietnam) is credible and sufficient to support a diagnosis of PTSD. The Veteran's symptoms are linked to this in-service event.

The Veteran's right knee instability is granted a separate 20 percent disability rating, while the claim for an increased PTSD rating remains denied.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for PTSD and left lower extremity radiculopathy, as well as his claim for service connection for diverticulitis, are being remanded due to a duty to assist error. The Veteran is also raising a claim for TDIU.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50% and denied for an increased rating.,A separate 20% rating for the right knee meniscus tear, effective October 28, 2020, has been granted.

The Board has granted service connection for Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) as caused by the Veteran's service-connected Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The decision resolves all doubts in favor of the Veteran.

The Board has determined that a higher initial evaluation for PTSD is needed due to the possibility of additional relevant medical records being available.

The Board has granted readjudication of the previously denied claim for service connection for PTSD, Alcohol Use Disorder, and Unspecified Depressive Disorder due to new evidence received. The issues of service connection for Alcohol Use Disorder and Unspecified Depressive Disorder remain pending.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric condition, including depression, anxiety, and PTSD due to MST. The evidence did not establish a link between his current symptoms and any in-service stressor.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and headaches have prevented him from securing and maintaining gainful employment, leading to a TDIU grant.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and examination to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's claimed acquired psychiatric disability, residuals of head injury, and irritable bowel syndrome.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD and an increased rating for the Veteran's lumbar spine disability. The Veteran was not diagnosed with PTSD, and his stressors were not verified. For the lumbar spine disability, the evidence did not show forward flexion limited to 30 degrees or less, nor did it indicate favorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, sinus condition due to Gulf War exposures, bilateral foot disability (fibromatosis and plantar fascitis), and throat disability (post-surgical removal of vocal cord polyps).,There is no evidence of pre-existing conditions or aggravation during service.